STRIKE BROKEN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24630, 11 June 1941, Page 5

STRIKE BROKEN

AMERICAN AVIATION WORKS TROOPS TAKE CONTROL NEW YORK, June 9. The Secretary for War, Mr H. L Stinson.' announced that the strike in the Inglewood plant of the North American Aviation Company has been broken. A message from Washington announced that Mr Roosevelt nad ordered the army to take over the plant. A clash occurred at the gates of the plant, where 2000 pickets prevented 1000 men* .from returning to work. Disorder broke out when the gates were opened. The police used .tear gas, but the pickets quickly ire-formed, and threw back the bombs at the police. Colonel Bradshaw, commanding the army force in the vicinity, advised the use of troop? because the situation was beyond control, and a Los Angeles police convoy of 50 trucks loaded with troops moved into wood. It was greeted with cheers from the workers who'had been prevented by the pickets from entering the plant. ' The disorders ceased when troops with fixed bayonets and machine guns occupied the plant. The pickets moved out'of the way of the army and raised placards: "Welcome the army. Keep out scabs." One striker, who refused to move, was bayoneted and taken to hospital. Six other persons were taken to hospital as the result of previous rioting. Colonel Bradshaw requested the strikers to return to work, and promised them absolute protection both on and off the job. COMPLETELY BROKEN EMPLOYEES STREAMING IN (Rec. 9 p.m.) WASHINGTON. June 10. Mr Stimson said that Colonel Bradshaw had reported that the Inglewood strike was completely broken and the employees are streaming in. Conditions are satisfactory. The War Department announced that 2600 troops are on duty at the plant.

TROOPS PATROL AREAS PROTECTION FOR WORKERS LOS ANGELES, <Rec. 11 p.m.) June 10. Nine hundred men reported for the night shift, which normally consists of 6000 men. There are now 3500 troops at the plant, including motorised units, who are patrolling the areas in which returned workers live, affording them protection. Telegrams were sent to 8000 striker? inviting them to return to work and guaranteeing them protection. It is reported that the Government is taking over the plant and setting up machinery for more extensive operations by Government men. who will take the place of the company's executives. The Attorney-general. Mr R. H. Jackson, speaking in Washington, said that the Inglewood situation more nearly resembled insurrection than a strike. He believed that the Labour leaders did not want a settlement of the strikes, which were following Communist Party lines.